It appears men, more than women, are prepared to take a risk, both straight after a drink and on the next day.

Compared to the national average of 84% of drivers who don’t think they’ve driven over the legal limit – Londoners emerged as a group more willing to take their chances, with only 74% declaring the same.

Mr Williams said: “It is vital that everyone who has been drinking leaves sufficient time for their body to process the alcohol they have consumed.

"The trouble is everyone metabolises alcohol at different rates so the message has to be to err on the side of caution by leaving extra time before deciding to drive, or better still to use an alternative form of transport such as bus, taxi or train, or get a lift from a friend or colleague.

“If you are having to think whether you are sober enough to drive then the answer is you probably aren’t.

“The dangers of drink-driving are truly horrific and should never be underestimated. Never have the words ‘it’s better to be safe than sorry’ been more appropriate.”